The debate over the effects of coffee on the heart has been ongoing for many years now. We all know that regular coffee contains a significant amount of caffeine which is a stimulant. For the most part, cardiologists advise their heart patients to avoid stimulants because it can cause palpitations and racing of the heart. For avid coffee drinkers this has always been a difficult piece of advice to follow!

Good news for coffee drinkers worldwide! A new study out of California indicates that coffee is probably okay for people who already drink it. The study reviewed data from over 130,000 patients and concluded that people who already drank more than 4 cups of coffee a day were 18% less likely to be admitted to the hospital with a heart rhythm disturbance.

It is important to note that this study was not designed to evaluate the effects of coffee on plaque buildup in the arteries, heart attacks or heart-related deaths. The data obtained from the study reviewed the effects of coffee on the rhythm of the heart. However, many heart disease patients do have an increased risk for heart rhythm disturbances so multiple cardiologists may change their advise overall based on this study. According to the researchers, their recommendation is to allow the frequent coffee-drinkers to continue drinking as usual without the fear of causing further heart problems. Also, for patients who do not already drink coffee, jumping up to drinking 4 cups a day is probably not a good idea! Either way, there is no need for anyone to change their coffee-drinking habits unless your doctor specifically advises you otherwise. To review the article about this study, go to